Signing party marks local comics debut

PANAMA CITY — Local artist Jayson Kretzer will unveil the first issue of his new comic book series, “Wannabe Heroes,” in a signing event at Arena Comics today.

Tony Simmons / Panamacity.com

PANAMA CITY — Local artist Jayson Kretzer will unveil the first issue of his new comic book series, “Wannabe Heroes,” in a signing event at Arena Comics Thursday.

Kretzer, a Lynn Haven based graphic artist who cofounded the annual Creative Con event at the Bay County Public Library, financed the debut issue through the online crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The 32-page, full-color book sells for $4.50; it is also available as a digital download through WannabeHeroes.com and IndyPlanet.com.

The event will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Arena Comics and Gaming, 1360 W. 15th St., Panama City.

“‘Wannabe Heroes’ is a modern superhero action comedy which follows the adventures of six people entrenched in the geek community,” Kretzer said. “Each character represents a different faction, if you will. There’s a gamer, a cosplayer, a wannabe comic creator, a collector, an elitist and, of course, a ninja bear — and as seen in the ‘Wannabe Heroes’ web comic, each have developed their own interesting powers.”

He described the story (suitable for all ages) as “New Mutants” meets “Calvin and Hobbes.” The book, which features the character interplay and superpowers of the former with the cartoonish style of the latter, began life as a weekly web comic. Kretzer has taught an introduction to the craft of sequential art at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida and participates in annual Comic Book Day events by drawing free hero sketch cards for children. His work with Creative Con has ensured the event’s growth each year, and it will probably move to a larger venue in 2014.

“I’m really hoping (Creative Con) helps our community to accept and appreciate sequential art as not only an art form but also a powerful storytelling tool which can be used for both educational and entertainment purposes,” he said in advance of this year’s event. “We’ve come a long way from our first year of just having a few local artists doing sketches in the foyer of the library.” Kretzer’s art has graced Marvel Comics-licensed collector cards, among many others. He used Kickstarter to help bring his crew of heroes into the real world as a printed comic, raising more than $3,300, which went to hire a colorist and printer.

Speaking to the News Herald on a recent Free Comic Book Day, Kretzer summed himself up like this: “I never quit drawing after kindergarten.”